Activated H-ras gene mutations in transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder in a Kashmiri population

Aims and background. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of H-ras specific point mutations among a group of Kashmiri patients diagnosed with bladder cancer. We also explored the correlation of clinic-pathological status of the illness with these mutations. Methods and study design . The DNA samples of both tumor and normal tissue were evaluated for the occurrence of H-ras activating mutations in exon 1 and 2 by PCRSCCP and DNA sequencing. In addition, blood was also collected from all the cases to rule out any germ-line mutation. Results. Point mutations of activated H-ras identified in bladder cancer patients were 14.5% (7 of 48), including four transversions (two G →T and two A →T) and three tran sitions (A →G). Of the mutations, 71.4% were detected in codon 61 and 28.6% in codon 12. The pattern of mutation in the study showed a significant association with smoking in bladder tumors ( P <0. 05). No correlation was found between tumor grade and/or stage and the presence of H-ras mutation. Conclusions. Activation of H-ras by mutation plays a less frequent role than other ge netic events in the development of the most transitional cell tumors of the bladder in Kashmiri population. Free full text available at www.tumorionline.it